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At the top of this blog are tabs that tell more about me. The second tab, “ What I Believe ,” should be important to readers. That entry will explain the foundation for my beliefs. The doctrine, if you will, upon which my faith is based. A lot more people read my blog than stop by and read what I believe and why I write, so I thought it might be a good idea to introduce readers to a bit more of me. I used to have a tab called “My Witness,” because my daughter asked about it. I removed that, most because it went unnoticed, but also because every blog I write speaks of my witnessing that Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior. The Bible teaches me about what God has in mind for mankind, and what He expects from us. Through reading, learning and application of God’s word in our lives, we do His will. It does matter what we believe. It matters in this world when His commands are not followed: O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: (Isaiah 48:18 KJV ) It matters in eternity, when His love is not accepted: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18 KJV ) He does continue to send messages to His people: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Luke 13:34 KJV ) Just as Elijah in I Kings 19 , we may not be aware of all who believe. And, just as Esther in 4:14 , we may not be aware that another will step in and do what God has in mind for us if we decline His love. We do need to be aware that God has a purpose in our lives for what He tells us to do and we do it by faith: Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3 KJV ) I want this blog to send readers to look into scriptures to see if what I write is true. As always, I ask that my readers be Bereans: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV ) I do. I run across articles, websites, posts of differing beliefs and viewpoints. Some are in direct opposition to what I believe and what I post it is necessary for me to search the scriptures daily, checking to see whether those things – or what I’ve said – are scripturally based. It matters, very seriously to me, that my beliefs are biblically based. It matters eternally what each of us believes about Jesus. Study that.
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“And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” ( Luke 16:8 )

This parable of the unjust steward has perplexed many Christians, for it seems to indicate that the Lord approved of dishonesty. “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousne... More...
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By Menno-Lite The information below has been provided merely to inform, bring awareness to, and spark concern in the hearts of those who love the Lord Jesus, believe His Word is true, and are called to pray in these perilous times for this generation. Why has the same sex conversation come to the forefront in […]
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Exhibit in the Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst, Dresden, Germany It’s a children’s story and often a children’s toy, as caught in this graphic from Germany. We all know how the animals went two by two into the ark that Noah built.

But that wasn’t Scott Matthew’s sermon Sunday morning. Oh, yes – we don’t just get uplifting gospel music through the Rochester family. We also get biblical preaching. Yesterday we started in Genesis 6. The first verses describe the sinfulness of the earth, but God found righteousness, too, as he did in Noah’s great-grandfather, Enoch:

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:8-9 KJV )

Noah is mentioned in nine books of the Bible, but Scott sent us to one verse in Hebrews for the message:

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. (Hebrews 11:7 KJV )

That’s the chapter I quote often, the chapter that gives us living examples of faith. Many of those lived in times where it appeared there was more evil than good. There were times when God was forgotten or ignored – expect for a faithful few. Or, one.

Scott pointed out five things about Noah from that one verse in Hebrews. Each thing is something we can do in our own lives and each thing was done for one reason: the saving of his house . Not the building that shelters, but family. His loved ones, just as we love ours, and should follow his example. Here’s what Noah did to save his loved ones:

1 – He believed the words of God. By faith Noah, being warned of God . . . we can do exactly that same thing. By faith. Take a look at Hebrews 11:6 , since you are right there. Faith is rewarded.

2 – Noah was moved by fear. The Preacher understood this and wrote Ecclesiastes 12:13 . It’s not the same fear that first comes to mind. Check out Strongs G2125 , εὐλαβέομαι , where we first act cautiously, being aware or reverencing standing in awe. That’s the fear that moved Noah, and should move us.

3 – He prepared an ark. He set out to do what God told him to do. Stepped out in faith in response to God’s word telling him what to do. That not only bears repeating, but should be our goal, too. Check that out in James 1:22 or Romans 2:13 . If God’s word tells us the same thing twice (and many more along this same theme) it is important to apply in our own lives, don’t you think?

4 – He condemned the world. Not each person individually, not judged a person by his own standards. He did not join in on what the world was doing and accepted the truth of God’s judgment upon the sinfulness of the world’s action. That remains true as shown in John 3:17-18 . We each have condemned ourselves, and God has shown each how to be saved.

5 – Noah became an heir, by faith, just as we are able:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV )

Scott Matthew’s sermon was much richer with descriptions and examples and many scriptures. This is but a short highlight – yet it carries the same message we've heard from the beginning of time, that through faith in God’s grace we are His heirs. Fearfully awesome, isn’t it?
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“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” ( Exodus 15:11 )

Our finite minds would never grasp the idea of holiness if not for the revelation granted to us in the Scriptures. God’s “separateness” requires even the awesome four-faced, sixwinged Seraphim to “rest... More...
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If you click on the graphic above, or their name, you’ll be taken to the website of The Rochester Family . They visit our church annually in the spring and it’s a great start to new life and new growth. They sing. Oh, how they do sing! They arrive on Saturday, so they are kind enough to give a concert and we invite everyone who enjoys bluegrass gospel music. Last night we had 310 people overflowing into extra seating in our sanctuary. Remember, we are a small country church. This morning they will sing for us again during Sunday School, a song or two during worship service, then Scott Matthews (on the right bottom in the graphic) will give the message this morning. I do wish you could be there. I enjoy hearing him give a message from God’s word. Their lyrics are from God’s word, too. One sticks in my mind from last night: It’s not what I’ve done, it’s that I’ve been to Calvary. To me those words reflect two scriptures: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV ) … and … And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (Luke 23:33 KJV ) There were plenty of people on that Jerusalem hill – men, women, Jews, Romans, believers, scoffers – and we know what happened to few of them. Jesus’ mother was there, and He placed her in the care of a disciple He loved. A Roman soldier there who said what I believe today: And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:39 KJV ) A visit to Calvary should reflect the life of the man who died there. We should seek to know His doctrine – the basis for His beliefs, the foundation upon which He placed His beliefs. Many heard His doctrine: And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29 KJV ) He shared the source of His doctrine: And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:15-17 KJV ) It is a pleasure to enjoy the music and the lyrics when listening to talented people with beautiful voices. It is better when what you hear has a firm foundation in the good news that was given to all men. It is everywhere around us, that gospel first given by angels to shepherds: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 KJV ) The Rochesters sing lyrics that tell much of His life and people’s response to it. Fortunately, I don’t have to wait until next year to hear them – I have at least ten hours of their CDs available all through the year. I’d share, but I hope you have some of your own.
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“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” ( Psalm 27:5 )

In this psalm of praise, David expresses his confidence in the Lord, even though “the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh” (v. 2). In spite of the danger, he loo... More...
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What can go wrong when a person is healed? Take a look at John’s seventh chapter where Jesus defines how to judge: Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24 KJV ) Look back at what happened that brought about this statement. In John chapter 5, Jesus had healed a man who had taken up his bed and walked away, completely restored to health. Because of this, people sought to kill Jesus for healing on the sabbath – and it had not been forgotten. In chapter seven, was time for the Feast of the Tabernacles , the seventh feast given to Israel - observed in the fall, in accordance with Leviticus 23:34 and Deuteronomy 16:13 . At first, Jesus was not going: Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. (John 7:8-10 KJV ) It may have appeared to be secret, but not for long: Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. (John 7:14 KJV ) His teaching was not well received: The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? (John 7:20 KJV ) Jesus then gives an example of what could appear to be the breaking of God’s law in the fulfillment of God’s law: Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. (John 7:22 KJV ) Remembering the sabbath day and keeping it holy is one of the Ten Commandments. Circumcision is to be done on the eighth day after a boy’s birth, and that might fall on the sabbath. What should be done? Christ answered that: Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? (John 7:22-23 KJV ) Which brings us back to verse 24. The lesson I take away from this is that we are to make judgment calls in our Christian lives – not based on superficial appearance, but including positive consequences. Breaking speeding laws isn’t condoned, except in cases of emergencies. What is applicable for ambulances and fire trucks may be applicable for individuals in life-threatening situations. It is a judgment call. Consider the case and complete the decision making. Context is important. Calling solely upon Matthew 7:1 indicates a lack of understanding of the fullness of God’s word. It is up to each one of us to read, study, come to understand and teach God’s word as Paul described he did: For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:27 KJV ) Even Peter said this was hard to understand, but necessary: And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:15-16 KJV )
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There are yet quite a number of unsettled controversies among Bible scholars as to the original text of certain passages in both Old and New Testaments. In fact, a frequent objection raised to the doctrine of biblical inerrancy is that, since all the original “autographs” have been los... More...
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You’ve heard it said: “Use the church to build people, not people to build the church.” Of course, building people and building a church are not mutually exclusive. Both require partnering with Christ, the Master Builder, as He builds His church and His people. In fact, it is as we build people that they develop […]
Related posts: 10 Pillars for Spiritual Leaders
The Best and Worst Ways to Motivate People
Why I Preach about Finances
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It’s a simple question, isn’t it? Too often it is answered with excuses, just as:

And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; (1 Samuel 13:11 KJV )

Saul is taking credit for seeing a problem that required a solution, then blames Samuel for not being on time as well as blaming the Philistines for preparing for battles. Makes himself sound very good, doesn’t it? He’s aware of what’s going on around him, Samuel’s not paying attention – as well as being late – and the Philistines must be stopped. Only Saul is doing as he should, in his answer.

Unfortunately, Saul didn’t stop, with this explanation or his actions:

Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. (1 Samuel 13:12 KJV )

“Therefore”, after giving his reasoning Saul confesses his sin. He took over Samuel’s responsibility of making a burnt offering.

Doesn’t sound too bad in black and white, does it? Oh, but it was – and is. I believe it has to do with what is in a person’s heart when they approach God. When we read “I forced myself,” we know that Saul was aware that making the burnt offering was not his responsibility. Saul had already complained about Samuel not showing up and gave that as one of the reasons for making the offering.

Also, Saul appears to equate beating the Philistines and asking for God’s help with the burnt offering, not with building a relationship with God. We see the difference in Samuel’s answer:

And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. (1 Samuel 13:13-14 KJV )

A look at Psalm 26 shows a lot about David’s relationship with God – why he was a man after God’s own heart:

A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. (Psalms 26:1-2 KJV )

Saul is never shown as seeing God so personally. David’s prayers to the Lord are as personal as one friend to another, yet acknowledge God’s omnipotence. David approaches God acknowledging his shortcomings, understanding that his life is in God’s hands and stating his dependence upon God.

Huge differences between these two men. Samuel’s pronouncement “thy kingdom shall not continue” indicates there had been the possibility that it would. It was not his actions that removed that possibility, but what was in his heart - the foundation for the actions – that Saul’s kingdom did not continue.

It is my foundation – my heart’s desires – that determines my relationship with God, too. When I trust in the Lord, His desires are in my heart:

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4 KJV )
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“But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.” ( Mark 10:6 )

These words of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to settle once and for all, for those who take His words seriously, the controversial question of the age of the earth. The earth was created essentially at the same time, He said, as the creation of Adam and Eve. Christ was quoting from Ge... More...
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To Lighthouse Trails: Last year I ordered at least 10 copies of “Another Jesus” Calling to give to others who had greatly enjoyed Jesus Calling or to others who have shared my concern about the book. Both of my daughters in their mid-twenties began reading Jesus Calling a few years ago, but praise the Lord, […]
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Many biblical stories contain names familiar to us today. This map shows how close Amman, Damascus and Jerusalem are – names in our news almost on a daily basis. A bit of checking in Wikipedia about Damascus shows a name that appears in our Wednesday Bible lesson: The lesson included the meeting between Elisha and Hazael in II Kings 8:7-15. For some undocumented reason, Elisha is in Damascus:

And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither. (2 Kings 8:7 KJV )

The first thought I wrote on my lesson notes had to do with how Elisha was known as “the man of God.” What a reputation preceded him to Damascus! We tend to forget that we have a reputation of our own – does it include a reference to God?

Elisha was well known to Benhadad. Perhaps Benhadad was aware of Naaman’s healing from leprosy, or perhaps he was the Syrian king of II Kings 6 whose troops were blinded. However he knew, he sought help:

And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? (2 Kings 8:8 KJV )

The second name from Wikipedia. Obviously trusted by Benhadad, he was allowed into the king’s sickroom and given a message to ask the man of God. Wouldn’t it be nice to know what our future holds? As we find – not so much!

Hazael did take presents – forty camels loaded with the best Damascus had to offer – and asked the question. He then discovered Elisha knew much more than the answer to that one question:

And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. (2 Kings 8:10-11 KJV )

I visualized Elisha keeping eye contact with Hazael, letting him know that he could not only see Benhadad well, but he knew what Hazael was going to do. He wept, but not for the assassination:

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child. (2 Kings 8:12 KJV )

That verse brought tears to my eyes, too. Not simply because of the evil Benhadad was going to - and did - to Israel, just as Elisha prophesied, but because that same evil, those same atrocities, are being done today. In the same area, ISIS is slaying young men, children and woman.

We need to remember David’s strong faith in God’s judgment:

Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. (Psalms 9:5-8 KJV )
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